Brunswick to reorganize, streamline dispatch services

There is a consensus the reorganization is a good thing that furthers the county's goal to streamline services.

By Jason GonzalesJason.Gonzales@starnewsonline.com

Brunswick County's reorganization of the emergency dispatch center came as a surprise to most everyone within the county government.But while there is some confusion as to where the idea originated, there is a consensus the reorganization is a good thing that furthers the county's goal to streamline services.The county commissioners voted unanimously July 1 to move the dispatch center from emergency management to the sheriff's office.Commissioners said the idea developed quickly and because of County Manager Ann Hardy's goal to reorganize the county's operations. She has made similar changes since taking over as manager in May, including consolidating some health services and reorganizing which departments administrators oversee.After the July 1 decision, Hardy was on vacation and could not be reached for comment, and Deputy County Manager Steve Stone did not return requests for comment about the switch or the reasons for making it.The late addition of the agenda item came as a surprise to many.Chief Deputy Charlie Miller said he knew about it the Friday before the meeting. But Anthony Marzano, emergency management director, said he was not informed about the shift until the day it was approved. "I found out about this at 4 p.m.," he said.Marzano said he was not given a reason for the change.Commissioners Frank Williams and Pat Sykes both said they didn't known about the reorganization until a few days before it happened.Commissioners Vice Chairman Marty Cooke said he knew there were talks, but nothing serious."There were some discussions (by Hardy and the sheriff) going on back and forth," he said.Chairman Phil Norris said what probably triggered the move was concern Oak Island town officials had expressed about its transition into the county's dispatch system in September.Oak Island Mayor Betty Wallace said the town was having trouble getting some emergency calls dispatched, but town officials had not yet met with county officials to discuss concerns.The agenda note about the switch stated that statewide about one-third of all 911 operations are under law enforcement and most dispatch calls are for the sheriff's office.Commissioners said there was unanimous agreement the sheriff would do a good job with the operations."I think he will be able to refine operations and enhance it," Cooke said.Commissioners also approved during the meeting giving Sheriff John Ingram a 5 percent pay raise because of the reorganization. The raise, recommended by Hardy, brings his salary to $108,150 a year.At least for now, the county's dispatch center will continue to operate under the emergency services wing of the county. Ingram said he has not made the decision when his office will permanently take over the dispatch center's operations. The sheriff will take in 33 full-time employees and $2.3 million in operations."I think its premature to discuss (improvements and efficiencies) at this point," he said. "We want to get all the people at table involved, and they can collectively voice concerns - if there are any - and as a group streamline (dispatch) as best possible."Miller said the most apparent change for the department will be personnel policy matters. By law, sheriff's employees serve at the pleasure of the sheriff.But both Ingram and Miller said all employees will retain their jobs through the switch."We are excited to have them," Miller said.